Influence of tillage practices and straw incorporation on soil aggregates, organic carbon, and crop yields in a rice-wheat rotation system

Abstract

In this study, a fixed-site field experiment was conducted to study the influence of different combinations of tillage and straw incorporation management on carbon storage in different-sized soil aggregates and on crop yield after three years of rice-wheat rotation. Compared to conventional tillage, the percentages of >2 mm macroaggregates and water-stable macroaggregates in rice-wheat double-conservation tillage (zero-tillage and straw incorporation) were increased 17.22% and 36.38% in the 0–15 cm soil layer and 28.93% and 66.34% in the 15–30 cm soil layer, respectively. Zero tillage and straw incorporation also increased the mean weight diameter and stability of the soil aggregates. In surface soil (0–15 cm), the maximum proportion of total aggregated carbon was retained with 0.25–0.106 mm aggregates, and rice-wheat double-conservation tillage had the greatest ability to hold the organic carbon (33.64 g kg−1). However, different forms occurred at higher levels in the 15–30 cm soil layer under the conventional tillage. In terms of crop yield, the rice grown under conventional tillage and the wheat under zero tillage showed improved equivalent rice yields of 8.77% and 6.17% compared to rice-wheat double-cropping under zero tillage or conventional tillage, respectively.

The Effects of Tillage and Straw Incorporation on Soil Organic Carbon Status, Rice Crop Productivity, and Sustainability in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System of Eastern China

“…This may be due to the excessive amount of incorporated crop straw, which could not be mineralized or appropriately decomposed. Previous studies [52,53] also stated that higher amounts of straw incorporation affected the emergence rate of the rice crop and the growth quality at the seedling stage. These findings are also supported by prior research [23,28,54], which concluded that higher rice grain yields were produced by the balanced input of residue with RT methods compared to the control or other nutrient management practices.…”

Effect of Organic Inputs on Strength and Stability of Soil Aggregates Associated Organic Carbon Concentration under Rice-Wheat Rotation in Indo-Gangetic Plain Zone of India

“…A higher amount of silt-and clay-sized fractions was observed in the control (43.84%). Song et al, (2016) observed that zero tillage and straw incorporation also increased the mean weight diameter and stability of the soil aggregates.…”

“…Among the macro-aggregates, 0.25-0.50 mm fraction constituted the largest proportion and had higher C density compared to micro-aggregates. Song et al, (2016) reported that compared to conventional tillage, the percentages of >2mm macro aggregates and water-stable macroaggregates in rice-wheat double-conservation tillage (zero-tillage and straw incorporation) were increased 17.22% and 36.38% in the 0-15 cm soil layer and 28.93% and 66.34% in the 15-30 cm soil layer, respectively. In surface soil (0-15cm), the maximum proportion of total aggregated carbon was retained with 0.25-0.106mm aggregates, and rice-wheat double-conservation tillage had the greatest ability to hold the organic carbon (33.64g kg −1 ) it is evident that the MBC contents in both surface and sub-surface soil were significantly higher in plots receiving 50% RDN as CF+50% RDN as FYM ( F 5 ) Aggregate-associated organic carbon Das et al, (2014) revealed that the long term application of organics increased aggregate associated C as compared in all aggregate size fractions; the highest increase was observed in plots receiving NPK and FYM in combination.…”

“…However a perusal of the Q 10 values shows that SOC in macro-aggregates of T 5 (Q 10 > 2) is highly temperature responsive and the higher activation energy is due to chemical recalcitrance of the residues which is overcome with rises in temperature. Song et al, (2016) indicates that it is necessary to consider deeper soil when assessing the influence of tillage practices on soil organic carbon. Particularly in farmland under ricewheat rotation, different tillage practices combined with the alternating wet and dry soil environment cause quantitative changes in the soil organic carbon of deep soil.…”

Mulching with crop straws influences cadmium accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

“…The reduction in soil pH may be associated with organic acids produced by decomposition of the straw [10]. Application of organic matter such as straw can increase the adsorption capacity of heavy metals in the soil, reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals, and reduce the available soil Cd concentration [9,10]. The organic acids and water-soluble organic carbon released from decomposition of straw can activate Cd in the soil Rice and rape -and increase the available Cd concentration in the soil [13,33].…”